Government u-turn on bus lane restrictions

Government u-turn on bus lane restrictions

The National Bus Strategy says bus lanes ‘should be full time’ but new guidance from DfT says they should ‘only operate when it makes sense’   The National Bus Strategy for England declared ‘bus lanes should be full-time’   In the week that marked the third anniversary of the publication...
SPT says franchising is the only game in town

SPT says franchising is the only game in town

A new report by the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has concluded that bus franchising is the only option to stem long-term network decline     BY Andrew Garnett Strathclyde could become the first region in Scotland to franchise its bus network after Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) members approved plans...
Poetry in motion - the Paris Metro

Poetry in motion – the Paris Metro

  Andrew Martin’s new book on the Paris Metro led me to reflect on the fascinating confluences and divergences with London     I used to take the view that Paris was an ugly city (quasi motorways alongside the Seine, the dreary Haussmann boulevards, the Eiffel Tower) but with a...
Why Andy Mellors is my low key hero

Why Andy Mellors is my low key hero

  I am not saying that problems don’t exist, but my experiences of Avanti West Coast have been good – and it’s going to get better Andy Mellors   Recently, I’ve heard a lot of folk suggest that the railway is in the worst shape ever. Even those who haven’t...
What is the strategy for transport?

What is the strategy for transport?

  A pragmatic consensus on transport policy has been shattered by the return of ‘war on the motorist’ rhetoric. We must do better   Our current PM has boxed his government into being the motorist’s friend   I have been on a sabbatical for a few years and have been...
Out now: Issue 309 of Passenger Transport

Out now: Issue 309 of Passenger Transport

Issue 309 of Passenger Transport is published on March 8. Contents include:     LEAD STORY Government u-turn on bus lane restrictions The National Bus Strategy says bus lanes ‘should be full time’ but new guidance from DfT says they should ‘only operate when it makes sense’   NEWS EXTRA...
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Go-Ahead sets stage for equality

Go-Ahead sets stage for equality

Go-Ahead Women campaign aims to recruit 1,500 new women bus drivers, with 50% goal by 2035   The Go-Ahead Women campaign was launched this week   The Go-Ahead Group has launched a campaign this month aimed at revolutionising the traditionally male-dominated landscape of the transport sector. Under the banner of ‘Go-Ahead Women’, the company is...
Women in Bus and Coach - Empowering diversity

Women in Bus and Coach – Empowering diversity

The Women in Bus and Coach initiative (pictured last year on a visit to parliament) has emerged as a powerful force. Here are seven compelling reasons behind the pressing need for such initiatives     BY Louise Cheeseman International Women’s Day is a really great opportunity to showcase the unique culture that women can offer...
Women in Transport - Driving forward diversity

Women in Transport – Driving forward diversity

The Women in Transport Diversity & Inclusion Bus Group can look back on five years of progress     BY Sonya Byers March is a significant month for Women in Transport, especially with International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. This year marks a special milestone as the Women in Transport Diversity & Inclusion (D&I)...
Diversity will drive improvements

Diversity will drive improvements

We’ve come a long way in recent years but there’s still more to do – and it matters, because true diversity brings better everything   We’ve got some fantastic women in our business   BY Lorna Murphy This International Women’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on how far we’ve come but also how much more there...
Speculation mounts over Tranche 3 winners

Speculation mounts over Tranche 3 winners

Stagecoach could face major upset in final franchising phase   Bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis is in the process of delivering 67 Enviro200 buses to Rotala subsidiary Diamond Bus for use on Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 services of Greater Manchester’s franchised Bee Network   As Greater Manchester’s franchised Bee Network prepares to launch its second...
Rolling stock has remained in sidings

Rolling stock has remained in sidings

  Rolling stock issues have been surprisingly neglected in debates about the future of the railway, but there are big problems to solve   SWR’s new Arterio trains are a rare example of new trains entering service   The recent George Bradshaw address ‘election special’ contained few surprises. Rail minister Huw Merriman confirmed that he...
Devolution seeds will bear fruit

Devolution seeds will bear fruit

  Against the precarious backdrop of public transport, mayors and local leaders in our city regions are planting seeds of optimism   The new Headbolt Lane station in Kirkby   I am not sure about you, but this year feels like it is flying by. The start of the new year only feels like yesterday...
The world is open to connecting with us

The world is open to connecting with us

  My recent experiences of field marketing for a bus service in a seaside town showed me that businesses are ready to collaborate   I don’t want this to sound like a textbook, ‘interview response’ style, but one of the best aspects of being involved in public transport is the chance to be really embedded...
55 ones to watch in passenger transport

55 ones to watch in passenger transport

LOST Group, the technology-led matching service owned and operated by transport professionals, has teamed up with Passenger Transport to identify top transport talent blazing a trail in 2024     John McArthur, Founder, LOST Group writes – Welcome to Lost Group’s Ones to Watch 2024 where we feature some of the best and brightest professionals...
North-south divide in bus network recovery

North-south divide in bus network recovery

DfT figures show bus use recovering fastest in the South East and East of England – contrasting with weaker growth, and even decline, in the North   The National Bus Strategy for England stated: “As we build back from the pandemic, better buses will be one of our major acts of levelling-up.”   Analysis of...
Our industry boasts a wealth of talent

Our industry boasts a wealth of talent

  This edition features LOST Group’s ‘Ones to Watch 2024’. It was exhausting to put this list together – but the end result is inspiring   Hooray! A good news story! For all the doom and gloom in the industry, it was a real antidote to the January blues to be part of the judging...
Bee Network users asked to be patient

Bee Network users asked to be patient

Vernon Everitt asks passengers to ‘bear with us’ ahead of launch   Bee Network’s next phase launches on March 24   Greater Manchester transport commissioner Vernon Everitt has urged bus users to remain patient as the second phase of the franchised Bee Network is set to launch on March 24. This phase will cover Oldham,...